New York to Vermont Road Trip: Scenic Beauty and Charm

Empire State Plaza – The enormous Empire State Plaza sits adjacent to the state capitol building (see below) and features special events, the Plaza Art Collection, the Corning Tower Observation Deck, The Egg Performing Arts Center (see below), the Vietnam Memorial Gallery, and the State Museum (see below).

NY State Capitol Building – Perched atop Albany’s State Street hill, the grand capitol has served as the seat of the Empire State’s government since the 1880s. The late 19th century building, boasting grand architecture, was built of solid masonry over a period of 32 years. Guided and self-guided tours are available and can include the legislative chambers, Hall of Governors, Governor’s Reception Room, Hall of New York, historic staircases, and carvings.

The Egg Performing Arts Center – This iconic building on Empire State Plaza is home to many world-class performing arts events throughout the year. Visit this architectural wonder, and don't miss the Corning Tower Observation Deck for panoramic views of Albany.

New York State Museum – Learn about New York’s history at this museum featuring interactive exhibits about art, science, and culture. Great for kids and adults alike.

Albany Institute of History & Art – Discover Hudson River School paintings and historical artifacts at this renowned museum.

USS Slater DE-766 – This historic World War II destroyer escort is now a museum ship moored in Albany’s Hudson River waterfront park, offering guided tours for visitors to explore its history and artifacts onboard.

Indian Ladder Farms – Located just outside Albany, this local favorite offers apple picking, cider, a brewery, and dining. A great way to spend a leisurely half-day.

Thatcher Park – Located 15 miles southeast of Albany, this park provides gorgeous panoramic views of the Adirondacks, Green Mountains, and Hudson-Mohawk Valleys. Check out the popular Indian Ladder Trail that runs up the Helderberg Escarpment and features two waterfalls. It includes more than 25 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, winter cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and a visitor center. Don’t miss the Observation Tower with stunning views of the surrounding areas.

Lark Street Shopping and Dining District – This popular, vibrant, and artsy area near downtown offers dozens of restaurants, cafes, art galleries, special events, and more. Think of it as Greenwich Village in Albany!

Washington Park – Enjoy this beautiful park with walking paths, playgrounds, and a lake for paddle boating. The park is home to many attractions such as a carousel house, lake house, amphitheater and rose garden.

Corning Preserve – This riverside park on Water Street with walking paths along the banks of the Hudson River provides scenic views of downtown Albany. Check out the Jennings Landing Amphitheatre which hosts major talent during the annual Summer Alive at Five concert series, the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival, and the Water Music New York concert. There is also a public boat launch with boat rentals. Further upstream is the Corning Preserve Public Boat Launch. Enjoy Albany's waterfront here by kayak, foot, or bicycle.

Kayak, Canoe or Paddling on the Hudson River – Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from one of many local outfitters for an adventure down the river.

Ten Broeck Mansion Museum – Learn about colonial life at this historic mansion built in 1797, offering guided tours of its interior rooms.

Palace Theatre – Enjoy live performances by local artists at this grand, historic theater featuring musicals, comedy shows, etc.

Lake George – the bustling small town of Lake George is filled with souvenir shops, ice cream shops, and the like, near and on Canada Street. Popular "Million Dollar Beach" has lifeguards, swimming areas, parking, and a public boat launch.

Boating, Rafting, Cruises & Watersports – Finding fun things to do on the water is easy and rentals are plentiful (including parasailing, jet skis, wakeboards, and even scuba diving). Nearby Bolton Landing also offers water activities.

Moreau Lake State Park – This 6,200-acre state park on the southwest shore of Lake George, with 20 miles of hiking trails, offers camping, picnic facilities, beaches, shower facilities, boat launches, fishing, hunting and more.

Fort William Henry Museum – This living history museum with live character actors is a British-built fort from the 1700s and takes you back in time to the French and Indian Wars.

Great Camp Sagamore Museum – This National Historic Landmark showcases grand Adirondack architecture and takes you back to the Gilded Age when the wealthy vacationed here at 27 "camps." The museum offers guided tours of the facilities as well as guided hikes and paddle tours.

Hyde Collection Art Museum & Historic House – This small art museum houses a world class collection of European and American artists, including Botticelli, El Greco, Rembrandt, Rubens, Degas, Seurat, Picasso, Renoir, Eakins, Hassam, Homer, and Whistler.

Scenic Drives – Consider a scenic drive for vistas of the lake and Adirondacks. One of the best scenic drives near Lake George is the Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway, offering stunning views of the Adirondacks and Lake George. Another beautiful drive is along Route 9N, which follows the shoreline of Lake George, providing picturesque views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Saratoga Spa State Park – Relax at this 2,400-acre state “spa” park featuring mineral springs pools, trails, golf, playgrounds, tennis courts, and ice-skating rinks. With its grand historic buildings, the park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center is a world-class performing arts venue set inside the park. Open in summer, the Center offers music, drama, educational activities and more.

Saratoga Race Course – This thoroughbred racecourse has been delighting fans for more than 150 years. Tours are available and the track Is only open in the summer months. Get ready to place your bets!

Saratoga Casino – One of the most popular entertainment venues in the area, the casino offers live harness racing on its track, multiple dining venues, a casino, and live entertainment.

Hike in the Adirondack Mountains – Find the perfect trail to enjoy the Adirondacks and lake views. Consider the Warren County Bike Trail and Rush Pond.

Fort Ticonderoga – North of Lake George on the southern shore of Lake Champlain is the massive Fort Ticonderoga, built in the 18th Century by the French (and now a great living history museum). It played a pivotal role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Fun for kids and adults.

Amusement Parks – Visit nearby amusement parks like Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark and the Lake George Expedition Park for fun-filled family entertainment.

Fishing – Catch plenty of fish at the many great fishing spots around Lake George.

Adirondack Winery – Sample local wines at this award-winning winery's tasting room.

Golf – Play a round at one of the many courses open to the public. The newly renovated Ticonderoga Golf Course offers two 18-hole championship golf courses set against a picturesque Adirondack Mountains backdrop.

Factory Outlets of Lake George Village Shopping Center – Shop till you drop and find some great deals on designer brands at this wonderful outlet mall.

The Minnie-Ha-Ha – This charming, historic steamboat offers scenic cruises on Lake George, complete with paddlewheel splashes and melodious calliope music.

Kayak or Canoe on Missisquoi Bay – Rent a kayak or canoe from one of many local outfitters for an adventure across beautiful Missisquoi Bay.

Grand Isle County Historical Society – Learn about Grand Isle County’s past through exhibits and artifacts on display here.

North Hero State Forest – Enjoy the outdoors at this 400-acre park which is great for swimming, fishing, and boating.

North Hero House – This lakeside resort offers a little upscale dining in the middle of the rustic Champlain Islands.

Golf – Test your skills at the two 18-hole championship golf courses set against picturesque lakefront scenery! One course is at the North Hero House Resort (see above) and the other is the Alburg Golf Links.

Sand Bar State Park – This sand bar was created by the sand sediment accretion between South Hero Islands and the town of Milton on the mainland. The park is actually on the mainland. Relax under the sun and enjoy activities like beaches and boating at this park on the shores of Lake Champlain. Enjoy swimming, fishing, water activities, picnicking, volleyball, and stand-up paddle boarding.

Snow Farm Vineyard – On South Hero Island, visit Vermont's oldest vineyard for wine tastings and special events.

Grand Isle State Park – In Grand Isle, explore this 224-acre park's walking trails, fishing spots, and boat rentals.

Hero's Welcome General Store – Experience a charming and iconic Vermont general store in North Hero which sells great gear, souvenirs, and offers bike and boat rentals.

Island Line Rail Trail – Bike or walk along this picturesque trail with views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. This 14-mile trail consists of the Burlington Bike Path and the Colchester Causeway, running from Burlington through Colchester and the edge of South Hero. A 3-mile causeway connects South Hero to the mainland in Burlington.

ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain – Discover lake ecology, science, and history at this wonderful interactive museum and aquarium.

Craft Beer – Burlington has an abundance of craft breweries where you can wet your whistle after a long day exploring Vermont. Don’t miss the iconic Magic Hat Brewing Company.

Shelburne Farms – Just south of Burlington, be sure to check out this amazing gem. Kids and adults will love this working farm museum while learning about sustainable agriculture practices! Check out cheese-making, a children’s farmyard, an education center, and dining options.

Shelburne Vineyard Winery Tasting Room & Gift Shop – Just south of Shelbourne Farms (see above) check out this winery. Visitors can enjoy sampling a variety of locally produced wines while learning about the winemaking process from knowledgeable staff. Additionally, guests can explore the beautiful vineyard grounds and take in the picturesque views, making for a delightful and relaxing experience.

Camel's Hump State Park – Enjoy this amazing 20,000-acre state park with camping, hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing. Check out amazing 360-degree views after climbing up Camel's Hump summit via Long Trail hiking trail.

Church Street Marketplace – Shop till you drop and scout for great deals at this quaint downtown shopping district with plenty of eateries nearby.

Flynn Center for The Performing Arts Theater – Enjoy live performances by local, regional, national, and international artists including musicals and plays.

Ethan Allen Homestead Museum and Nature Trails – Tour the famous 1787 homestead of Ethan Allen, before exploring the wonderful nature trails surrounding it.

Burton Island State Park – Relax under sun at the lakeside while enjoying beach activities like swimming or boating at this beautiful state park on the shores of Lake Champlain.

Lake Champlain Chocolates – No visit to Burlington would be complete without stopping at one of the local stores to sample chocolate delights from this local (and national) favorite.

Champlain Bike Trail Ferry – The non-profit bike ferry links walkers and cyclists wanting to use the Island Line Trail to the Burlington area and the Champlain Islands. The ferry company also rent bikes so visitors can enjoy this scenic trail.

Vermont Teddy Bear Factory – Located in Shelbourne south of Burlington is the charming Vermont Teddy Bear Company factory. Shop from hundreds of teddy bears and local products before taking a teddy bear factory tour by one of the Bear Ambassadors! Kids, parents, and grandparents won’t be able to resist buying a bear!

Sweet Roots Farm & Market – half-way between Burlington and Shelbourne, Vermont, is this wonderful pick-your-own berry farm and market. Pick blueberries and purchase pre-picked blackberries, black raspberries, peaches, pears, plums and organically grown vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

Stowe Mountain Resort – Summer Adventures – In the summer, Stowe Mountain ski resort transforms into an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, offering activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and zip-lining through lush green landscapes. Visitors can also enjoy scenic gondola rides, take in panoramic views from the summit, or participate in various events and festivals hosted at the resort.

Maple “Sugaring” – In the spring in Stowe, you can learn about maple sugaring and how to tap maple trees for syrup by visiting local sugarhouses like the Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm or Trapp Family Lodge Sugarhouse. These establishments typically offer guided tours, demonstrations, and tastings, providing an authentic hands-on experience of this traditional Vermont craft.

Stowe Recreation Path – This scenic greenway offers a picturesque 5.3-mile trail for walking, biking, and rollerblading, winding through beautiful landscapes, crossing wooden bridges, and showcasing stunning mountain views. Along the way, visitors can enjoy picnic spots, swimming holes, and access to local restaurants, shops, and parks for a fun-filled outdoor experience.

Mount Mansfield – To fully experience Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, take a scenic gondola ride or hike one of the many trails leading to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Green Mountains. For an added touch of adventure, try rock climbing, mountain biking, or birdwatching in this stunning natural setting.

Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour – Learn about ice cream production on this behind-the-scenes tour in Waterbury, Vermont. This should be considered a “must” – the tour is engaging and fun (and the free, freshly made ice cream isn’t so bad either!). Learn about the company's unique history and commitment to social responsibility. The tour also includes a visit to the Flavor Graveyard, where discontinued flavors are humorously memorialized, and ends with a delicious ice cream tasting, making it a fun and educational experience for all ages.

Smugglers Notch State Park – Explore the beautiful Green Mountains by hiking along scenic trails, including the popular Sterling Pond and Long Trail, which meander through lush forests and alongside stunning waterfalls. The park also offers rock climbing, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home – Tour the historic mansion and gardens of Robert Todd Lincoln's family estate (U.S. President Abraham Lincoln’s son). Get a glimpse into the life of Lincoln’s son by touring the estate's beautifully preserved 1905 Georgian Revival mansion, stunning formal gardens, and extensive walking trails. Hildene provides a captivating experience that blends history, culture, and natural beauty.

Equinox Preservation Trust – Explore the scenic trails with views of the Green and Taconic Mountains at this 914-acre protected area (owned and managed by the Equinox Resort) which offers tons of recreational opportunities, including hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.

Southern Vermont Arts Center – This vibrant cultural hub showcases the works of regional and national artists through rotating exhibitions, performances, and educational programs. Set amidst a picturesque 100-acre campus, the center offers visitors an enriching experience that combines the beauty of art and nature.

Manchester Designer Outlets – Shop for bargains at high-end outlet stores in a charming village setting.

Learn Fly Fishing at Orvis – Take a fly-fishing lesson or guided trip with the experts at Orvis, a Vermont-based national outdoor clothing and gear company.

Billings Farm & Museum – Explore this living history museum in Woodstock which offers visitors an interactive experience to explore Vermont's agricultural heritage, featuring a working dairy farm, historical exhibits, and engaging activities for all ages.

American Museum of Fly Fishing – This unique museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history, art, and science of fly fishing through engaging exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs.